Stock paint has crooked emblem, clear coating over it, what to do?

[Rob S.]

Took a great ride on my Norton this evening, it's so much fun. The local biker hangout is lame but that's what we have. Not motorcycle people, mainly paint, tattoos, chrome and doo-dads to ogle. Nobody knows what a Norton is. 30K bikes that get taken out posing on the weekends. I guess I'm posing too so I shouldn't be so snarky, but jeez. I remember when people on motorcycles knew motorcycles!

Can you do me a favor? Ask the owners of those bikes near your Norton how they keep the sand out of their va j j's when they're riding. I'd be interested to know.

[Nessism]

Looks like the clear went on too "dry". Too much orange peel. Finding the balance between low orange peel, and runs, can be a fine line.

What I do is spray the first layer of clear on fairly dry, and then follow up with two full "medium" heavy coats. Again, watch so you don't get (too many) runs, but a random run can be sanded out just as orange peel can.

When sanding, I use a gray scotchbrite. Be very careful that you don't sand through the clear, and hit the base. That will show during the next layers. You would be better off to leave a little orange peel, then cover it with the final clear layers. Where is Larry...?

[oldGSfan]

Looks like the clear went on too "dry". Too much orange peel. Finding the balance between low orange peel, and runs, can be a fine line.

What I do is spray the first layer of clear on fairly dry, and then follow up with two full "medium" heavy coats. Again, watch so you don't get (too many) runs, but a random run can be sanded out just as orange peel can.

When sanding, I use a gray scotchbrite. Be very careful that you don't sand through the clear, and hit the base. That will show during the next layers. You would be better off to leave a little orange peel, then cover it with the final clear layers. Where is Larry...?

Yes the first set not so great but fixable. I figured it out on 2nd set which came out much better. I used 'slow' hardener but the sun had come out. 2nd set the temp was right and it flowed well. Getting the hang of it.

[chuck hahn]

Yes on time and temps. I paint in the early morning or in the shade if possible. You dont want parts hot from direct sunlight. They flash super fast and its bad.

[Nessism]

That second set looks better. It does take time to learn your gun and how it lays down what specific paint you are using. And speaking of paint, have you ever tried that Nason black you took home from my place? That stuff flows out so good, and doesn't like to run either.

[chuck hahn]

Here ya go Tom........

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[oldGSfan]

That second set looks better. It does take time to learn your gun and how it lays down what specific paint you are using. And speaking of paint, have you ever tried that Nason black you took home from my place? That stuff flows out so good, and doesn't like to run either.

No, I still have it - I do plan to use it. I should have used it on my Norton's frame but events and equipment conspired against me. Now I have a nice quiet compressor with filtration, a good gun and all the cups, filters, and reasonable know-how. Since I now will have an extra full set of nice GS1100E bodywork (actually 2 extras, as there's another in the attic off an 82, hmmm) I may be on the lookout for a third bike to throw them on and sell for fun and profit.

[oldGSfan]

Yes on time and temps. I paint in the early morning or in the shade if possible. You dont want parts hot from direct sunlight. They flash super fast and its bad.

Yeah I was hustling doing prep and the top of the tank got too warm as the sun broke through. The clear on the top of the tank is the main area that got bumpy, the other stuff's pretty good.

The weather has been in a pattern of overcast till about 10:30 AM, providing shade. I started about an hour earlier on the set yesterday vs Thursday's.

[chuck hahn]

Overcast is fine long as it doesnt throw any random sprinkles.. hire that girl in the cartoon..lol